The Belgium-based terminal tractor manufacturer has developed software that communicates with the ContiPressureCheck system and protects the tyres from damage if the driver ignores the warnings by automatically slowing and, if required, eventually shutting off the engine through the tractor’s J1939 CANbus link
The cooperation was first reported by WorldCargo News last year. After a series of successful tests, MOL has received an order for 31 terminal tractors from one customer - Malta Freeport - incorporating this option. The individual Continental CST TerminalMaster radial tyres will be fitted with the Conti TPMS, which monitors temperature as well as pressure as the sensor is permanently mounted to the inside of the tyre. These sensors are linked to ContiPressureCheck, which in turned is linked to the MOL control software.
At TOC Europe in Rotterdam, Continental CST itself sprung a surprise by announcing that it is introducing, for the first time, radial tyres for large port handling equipment such as heavy lift trucks, ECHs, reach stackers and straddle carriers – 12.00R-24,14.00R-24, 16.00R-25, 18.00R-25, 18.00R-33. The tyres will be available from summer 2019. There will be more on this in the next edition of WorldCargo News.